Meaning

(transitive) To heap up in a mass; to pile up; to collect or bring together (either literally or figuratively), often gradually and without active intent..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To heap up in a mass; to pile up; to collect or bring together (either literally or figuratively), often gradually and without active intent.
2. (intransitive) To gradually grow or increase in quantity or number.
3. (education, dated) To take a higher degree at the same time with a lower degree, or at a shorter interval than usual.
4. (poetic, rare) Collected; accumulated.

Example Sentences

He wishes to accumulate a sum of money.

With her company going bankrupt, her divorce, and a gambling habit, debts started to accumulate so she had to sell her house.

Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, / Where wealth accumulates, and men decay.

Word Forms

• accumulates
• accumulating
• accumulated

Synonyms for accumulate

Antonyms for accumulate

Related Words

When Should You Use Accumulate?

Use accumulate when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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